New World Bank Report. Challenges to Inclusive Bus Rapid Transit

The World Bank recently published a report, “Technical and Operational Challenges to Inclusive Bus Rapid Transit,” compiled by Tom Rickert, a consultant with extensive experience on accessible transportation. While the technical report is intended primarily for an audience of BRT system and service planners, its release marks a recognition of the practical challenges in making public transport in the developing world fully accessible.

[From TheCityFix] A major challenge in developing good public transportation is inclusive design that meets the wide-ranging needs of citizens, regardless of physical ability, age or travel behavior.

(Photo by Meena Kadri.)

The guide brings “recent international experience to bear on accessibility issues that challenge the ability of Bus Rapid Transit systems in less-wealthy countries to serve persons with disabilities, seniors, and others who especially benefit from inclusive design.” The guide follows Rickert’s 2007 BRT Accessibility Guidelines, which detail best accessible design practices.

This new report discusses common accessibility problems with BRT systems and offers a hierarchy of alternative solutions. Rickert explains the limitations and tradeoffs with each design option, allowing for thoughtful decision-making. This is especially helpful since countries in the developing world deal with diverse circumstances that act as barriers to good BRT systems, including varying quality in existing infrastructure, as well as minimal mandates for providing services to disabled populations.

One thought on “Sweet victory”

This publication is timely.I did a paper on the same topic for the 2010 Transportation of Elderly and Disabled (TRANSED) International conference in Hong Kong.I will lke to share the paper with colleagues on this network.This could kick start the need for compilation of cases in various developing countries,where the scenario is applicable.